:mmi. 



THE WAR ACTIVITIES OF 
TOPSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 



THE WAR ACTIVITIES 

OF TOPSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 
DURING THE GREAT WAR-1917-1918 



Men in the National Service 

Public Safety Committee 

Liberty Loan Campaign Committees 

Topsfield-Boxford Machine-Gun Company 

Topsfield Canning Club 

American Fund for French Wounded 

Special Aid Society for American Preparedness 

Red Cross Branch 

Y.M.C.A. and United War Work Drives 



PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 

TOPSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 
I9I9 



o; •* •'. 






IN HONOR OF 
THE YOUNG SOLDIER WHO DIED IN FRANCE, 
AND OF HIS COMRADES IN THE SERVICE ON 
BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC; IN HONOR 
OF THE TWO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC 
SAFETY COMMITTEE WHO DIED AT HOME, 
THE ONE GROWN GRAY IN PUBLIC SERVICE 
AND THE OTHER JUST AT THE BEGINNING 
OF A CAREER OF USEFULNESS; AND ALSO 
IN HONOR OF THE MANY EARNEST WORK- 
ERS WHO FREELY GAVE IN SERVICE AND 
IN PURSE, THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE 
DEDICATED 



IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY 

IT IS too early to record what Topsfield men have accomplished in the 
actual warfare and in training for the same; nor is the story completed 
of unwearied service in hospitals behind the firing line. That must come at 
a later day. Fifty-nine men and two women "did their bit," of whom 
thirty- four saw foreign service and one man, John J. Farrell, died in 
France of pneumonia. Major (now Lieutenant-Colonel) Jenkins, M.C., 
was already in the State militia when war was declared. Augustus A. Laskey 
was the first to enlist and was assigned to the battleship Virginia. Even 
before the United States entered into the World War, two went from Tops- 
field — Henry Beston Sheahan, who enlisted July 25, 1915, in the American 
Ambulance Field Service and saw nine months' active service near Pont-a- 
Mousson and in the defense of Verdun, and Helen P. Jordan, who as a nurse 
joined the Harvard University Hospital Unit of the British Army and 
sailed for France in November, 191 6, where she was stationed at Base 
Hospital No. 5. 

The following list of those who were in the service from Topsfield is be- 
lieved to be correct. All additional information, or corrections, should be 
sent to the Town Clerk in order that Topsfield's record may be made as 
complete as possible. 

OFFICERS 

Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas L. Jenkins, Medical Corps * 
Major Clarence P. Baxter, Medical Corps * 
Captain William E. Baxter, Medical Corps * 
Captain Sargent H. Wellman, General Staff * 
First Lieutenant Philip H. Smith, Sanitary Corps * 
Second Lieutenant Joseph N. Smith, Balloon Corps 
Second Lieutenant Russell C. Smith, Naval Reserve * 
Second Lieutenant Henry C. Williams, Aviation Corps 
Ensign Frederick Ayer, Naval Reserve 
Ensign Roger B. Fiske, Naval Aviation 
Ensign Stephen Wheatland, Naval Reserve 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

Sergeant Chester C. Andrews * 
Sergeant Amedeo Giovannacci 
Corporal Roy E. Ford 
Corporal Clarence W. Lake * 
Corporal William A. Perkins 
Yeoman Clarence H. Kneeland 

• Served abroad. 



8 



WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD 



OTHER BRANCHES OF THE SERVICE 

Captain Ernest H. Pentecost, British Naval Reserve * 

Henry Beston Sheahan, American Ambulance Corps; Naval Correspondent 

on Foreign Service * 
Rev. Arthur H. Gilmore, Y.M.C.A* 

Alice L. Lake, nurse {rank of Second Lieutenant), Harvard Unit * 
Helen P. Jordan, nurse, Harvard Unit, in British Army * 



Rufus S. Carter * 
John Hiram Clay- 
Herbert E. Dexter * 
Patrick Dolan * 
James D. Emslie * 
John J. Farrell * f 
Amos W. A. Fuller * 
Allen W. Jacobs 
Harold Jordan * 
William McF. Lewis 



ENLISTED MEN 

ARMY 

John Longo 
Patrick Lyons 
Joseph W. Mulkhy * 
Ernest L. Pace * 
Charles A. Peaslee 
Russell F. Perkins * 
Arlo L. Roberts * 
Benjamin B. Towne 
Guy E. Watson * 



Dwight B. Andrews * 
Augustus A. Laskey * 



NAVY 

Fred G. Smith * 
John R. Walsh * 



John B. Gamans 



MARINE CORPS 

Herbert M. Soper * 



Frank E. Harrington 
Peter J. Kilhouley 
James E. Mercer * 
Charles A. Sweeney 



John J. Cass * 
Chester H. Clerk * 



NAVAL RESERVE 

Harold H. Todd 
Randolph H.Todd* 
James T. Walsh 

AVIATION CORPS 

George Shattuck 



TRAINING CORPS 



Leslie S. Ray (Instructor), Massa- 
chusetts Institute of Technology 
Keith P. Smerage, Harvard 

* Served abroad. 



David P. Wheatland, Massachusetts 

Institute of Technology 
Robert I. Woodbury, Brown 

t Died in a hospital in France. 



THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 

NEARLY a century and a half ago when the rights of our ancestors 
were threatened by an oppressive Government, the freemen of Tops- 
field gathered in town-meeting on October ii, 1774, chose Samuel Smith 
as their delegate to the Provincial Congress and instructed him as follows: 

That you use your endeavors that all our Constitutional and Charter Rights and 
Previledges be kept good and invoilable to the Latest Posterity, and that you do 
everything to the utmost of your power to prevent any of the late oppressive acts 
of Parliament being Executed. 

Three generations later when slavery and rebellion threatened the very 
foundations of our country, the citizens of Topsfield met in town-meeting 
on May 7, 1861, and adopted the following preamble and resolution pre- 
sented by Charles H. Holmes: 

Considering the present condition of our Country, not as waging war against the 
South, nor a party device, but an essay of the people to sustain their own rights, pre- 
serve their own institutions, give efficiency to their own laws, invigorate their ex- 
ecution and perpetuate the inheritance of our fathers unimpaired 

Resolved, that the loyal peoples of the United States, inhabitants of Topsfield, in 
town-meeting assembled, constitute ourselves a national guard for the preservation 
of our national integrity. 

And again in our day when an autocratic European Government sought 
to conquer or destroy the civilized world, the citizens of Topsfield, stirred 
by the dramatic events then taking place, adopted the following resolutions 
presented by James Duncan Phillips, March 5, 191 7, at the annual town- 
meeting: 

As the descendants and successors of the men of one of the group of little com- 
munities surrounding Salem Bay, which, during the Revolutionary War and the 
early days of the Republic, sent out innumerable armed ships to defend American 
rights on the high seas, it is hereby 

Resolved, That we, the citizens of Topsfield, endorse the action of the President of 
the United States in dismissing the German ambassador. 

Resolved, That we urge the immediate calling of an extra session of Congress and 
the use of the full power of the nation in defence of American rights, American 
lives and American honor on the high seas. 

Resolved, That we pledge our loyalty and our support to the President for this 
purpose. 

Voted, That these resolutions be adopted and that the moderator now appoint a 
committee of three to transmit them with an appropriate letter to the President, 
the two senators from Massachusetts, the congressman of this district and to the 
senator and representatives of this district in the Massachusetts Legislature. 

In commenting on the action of the towns of Massachusetts at the town- 
meetings, the Boston Transcript said: 

Several of the towns adopted resolutions endorsing the action of President 
Wilson in standing up for American rights against Germany's aggression. Most of 



lo WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD 

them followed the Boston Chamber of Commerce's form of a resolve, but some pro- 
duced original forms for the President's eye. Among the towns which stood by the 
head of the nation were Concord, Marshfield, Topsfield, and Wenham. Topsfield's 
resolution was perhaps the most interesting. 

On the editorial page the same day, there was an article particularly 
commenting on the stand which the town had taken and highly commending 
its attitude. This article said in part as follows: 

When Boston was a town it used to pass resolutions in town meeting on national 
subjects, particularly in great emergencies, which were heard and regarded in the 
councils of the nation. As a city it is generally silent in such great crises just as, un- 
fortunately, it is at this moment. But there are still patriotic towns in Massachusetts 
which are ready to express themselves on great questions and record the sentiments 
of their citizens. A considerable number of towns, at their meeting yesterday, 
adopted stirring resolutions of support and stimulus to the President in his attempt 
to uphold the nation's rights. Among those towns which have passed such resolu- 
tions, as already reported, are Concord — Concord, the "star that never sets" — 
Marshfield, the home of Webster, Wenham and Topsfield. The Topsfield resolu- 
tions are particularly spirited. They are in words which deserve to be listened to. 

In accordance with these resolutions, a committee was appointed to 
send copies with an appropriate letter to the persons enumerated, all of 
whom duly acknowledged them in the following appropriate letters which 
have been placed on file in the ofhce of the Town Clerk: 

THE WHITE HOUSE 

Washington 
March 8, 1917 
My dear Sir: 

The President has asked me to thank you for your letter of March 6th, with its 
enclosure, and to assure you and all concerned that he deeply appreciates this ex- 
pression of confidence and support. 

Sincerely yours 

H. Tumulty 
Secretary to the President 

UNITED STATES SENATE 
COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE LAND CLAIMS 

March 8, 1917 
My dear Mr. Phillips: 

I was very much gratified to receive the resolutions adopted by the Topsfield 
Town Meeting and I only regret that I cannot, under existing rulings, present them 
to the Senate. They are such resolutions as I should expect to receive from an old 
Massachusetts town and I need hardly say that I am doing all in my power to give 
the President the powers which he thinks necessary to protect the lives and the 
rights of American citizens. 

Very truly yours 

H. C. Lodge 
(// zve are later allowed to present petitions and memorials you may he sure that I 
shall lay the resolutions before the Senate at the first opportunity.) 



THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE ii 

UNITED STATES SENATE 

Washington, D.C. 
March lO, 191 7 
My dear Sir: 

I am very glad to have your letter of March sixth transmitting resolutions 
adopted at a mass meeting of the citizens of Topsfield endorsing the President's 
action in severing diplomatic relations with the Imperial German Government and 
pledging their loyal support in case of need. I shall take pleasure in calling these 
resolutions to the attention of the Senate. 

Very truly yours 

John W. Weeks 

COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

Washington, D.C. 
March 9, 191 7 
My dear Sir: 

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 6, 191 7, enclosing a copy 
of a resolution adopted at the annual town meeting of the Town of Topsfield on 
March 5, 1917. 

The action of the citizens of Topsfield is to be commended, and I shall have 
pleasure in presenting the resolution to the House of Representatives when the 
next session of Congress is convened. 

Very truly yours 

A. P. Gardner 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 
SENATE CHAMBER 

Boston, March 27, '17 
My dear Sir: 

I trust you will pardon the delay in answering your letter of Mar. 6th enclosing 
resolutions adopted at your town meeting March 5th. I want to assure you I am 
fully in accord with the resolutions and have by voice and vote sustained action 
of this kind when presented. We are as American citizens irrespective of party ties 
supporting our President and upholding him in every act and deed. 

I thank you sincerely for the opportunity of presenting my attitude in this our 
Nation's crisis. I have been travelling with my Committee or should have answered 
before. 

Sincerely 

Chas. D. Brown 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

Boston, March 30th, 191 7 
Dear Sir: 

Replying to your favor of March 6th containing Resolutions as adopted at 
your Town Meeting of March 5th, would say that I heartily endorse the same. 
Similar resolutions passed the House sometime ago. 
Will you kindly excuse my late reply. 

Very truly yours 

George D. Morse 
Rep. loth Essex Dist. 



12 WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD 

Encouraged by the cordial reception of these resolutions, the following 
call was sent out March 24, 191 7, signed by most of the prominent citizens 
of the town : 

In as much as the Massachusetts Committee of Public Safety has indicated that 
it is desirable for every city and town in the Commonwealth to organize a local 
Committee of Public Safety, we, the undersigned, invite the men and women, boys 
and girls, of Topsfield who love their Country to meet with us in the Town Hall in 
Topsfield on Saturday, March 31st, 1917, at eight o'clock in the evening and there 
organize such a special Committee to provide for the common defence and general 
welfare to be run along the lines laid down by the Central State Committee. 

A most crowded and enthusiastic meeting was called to order by Baxter 
P. Pike, moderator of the town-meeting. James Duncan Phillips was 
chosen permanent chairman and Rev. George L. Gleason offered prayer. 
Roland W. Boyden, of the Massachusetts Committee of Public Safety, spoke 
outlining the duties of the Committee, and Sergeant (now Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel) Donaldson of Hamilton, a former Topsfield boy, spoke of the military 
work to be done. On motion offered by Arthur H. Wellman, the chairman 
appointed the following committee to serve with the chairman: 

Baxter P. Pike 

Andy F. Jackman 
Thomas L. Jenkins, M.D. 
Benjamin B. Towne 

who should choose a large committee to carry on the v/ork for the citizens 
during the period of the war. The town hall was decorated with flags, an 
orchestra furnished music for the singing of the national anthem and "My 
Country, 'tis of Thee." 

Four days later the following Executive Committee was announced in 
accordance with the action of this meeting: 



TOPSFIELD COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY 

James Duncan Phillips, Chairman 
George Francis Dow, Vice-Chairman 
Benjamin B. Towne, Secretary 
William B. Poor, Treasurer 

Executive Committee 

John J. Cass Edward J. Prest 

Fred Dingle T. E. Proctor 

George A. Gerry (deceased) George M. Tilton 

Andy F. Jackman Arthur H. Wellman 

Thomas L. Jenkins, M.D. Richard Wheatland 

Baxter P. Pike (deceased) I. M. Woodbury 
and the officers, ex-officio 



THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 



13 



I . Town Protection and Home-Guards 
Edward J. Prest, Chairman 
Patrick Collins 
Eugene M. Dow 
George A. Gerry- 
Wilfred Hay 
T. W. Peirce 
Charles H. Potter 
T. E. Proctor 
Russell C. Smith 

3. Horses, Motor Vehicles, Indus- 
trial Survey 
Baxter P. Pike, Chairman 
John J. Cass 
Fred Dingle 
John L. Fiske 
Charles J. Peabody 
Andrew L. Peirce 
H. B. Williams 



Recruiting 

George A. Gerry, Chairman 
Alexander B. Carter 
Manuel F. Castle 
Eugene M. Dow 
T. E. Elliot 

Rev. Arthur H. Gilmore 
Fred A. Greenwood 
Mark Hodges 
H. B. Williams 

and the Veterans of the Civil 
War 



6. 



Emergency and Transportation 
Andy F. Jackman, Chairman 
Clarence L. Brown 
E. P. Ferguson 
T. Jesse Fuller 
Charles R. Wait 
Hazen R. Wildes 



Camps, Military Equipment and 
Supplies 

Thomas L. Jenkins, M.D. 
Chairman 

William B. Poor, Vice-Chair- 
man 

F. C. Burnhara 

Fred Dingle 

Leroy W. Gleason 

T. W. Peirce 

Charles R. Wait 

Coordination with other Societies 
J. D. Phillips, Chairman 
Mrs. Pearl Colby 
Elbridge H. Gilford 
Leroy W. Gleason 
Charles J. Peabody 
Mrs. T. W. Peirce 
William B. Poor 
Benjamin B. Towne 
Miss Katharine F. Wellman 



7. Food Production 
George M. Tilton, Chairman 
Fred W. Deering John S. Lawrence 

Rev. Arthur H. Gilmore James Marlborough 

George Grinnell Mrs. J. D. Phillips 

Mrs. Thomas L. Jenkins Forrest W. Rust 

Sargent H. Wellman 

The forenamed sub-committees were authorized by the Executive Com- 
mittee which also advised the appointment of a Finance Committee, com- 
posed of Thomas E. Proctor, William E. Poor, and Fred Dingle. 

On April 12 the Committee on Home Guards reported that a drill had 



14 WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD 

been held on April ii and that much interest had been shown in the organ- 
ization of a company. The Food Committee reported that a survey had 
been made of the town with a view to increasing its food production. 

Two weeks later it was voted to organize a company of the State Guard, 
Topsfield to provide forty-five men if Boxford would provide the remain- 
ing twenty-five, and this was the first definite move toward the organization 
of what has since become the Machine-Gun Company. 

The Food Production Committee at the same time reported that the 
organization of a Canning Club was advised which, on May 3, was ap- 
pointed, composed of Mrs. J. D. Phillips, Chairman; Mrs. Frank Smith, 
Mrs. T. W. Peirce, Mrs. John S. Lawrence, and Mrs. Wilfred Hay. Two 
weeks later the Canning Club was authorized to accept an underwriting of 
$500, kindly offered by a good friend, to run the Club one year. 

On June 4 Rev. Emery L. Bradford, Isaac H. Sawyer, and Harry L. 
Cole, all of Boxford, were added to the Home Guard Committee with the 
idea of securing a group of men from Boxford for the Company. At this 
same meeting the Finance Committee was made into a Liberty Loan Com- 
mittee and requested to give attention to the solicitation of subscriptions 
for the First Liberty Loan. This was the beginning of the Liberty Loan 
organizations, a special report of which is attached. 

On June 16, as it seemed likely that the train service to Topsfield would 
be reduced to such an extent that there would be no noon train, Mr. Well- 
man was asked to appear before the Railroad Commissioners and ask 
that the twelve o'clock train be retained. The support of various men in 
Georgetown, Boxford, and Danvers was secured, and representatives of 
the Public Safety Committee appeared with them at the meeting in Boston 
and made such a vigorous protest that the noon train which had already 
been removed was restored. 

All the war activities of the town having been well started, meetings 
were discontinued until the time when the question of keeping track of 
our soldiers and bidding a proper farewell to the men who had gone into 
the Army was brought up. At that time a committee was appointed to 
organize a meeting for such a farewell, and an enthusiastic meeting was 
held on November 3, at which Hon. George R. Jones of Melrose, formerly 
President of the Massachusetts State Senate, made an address and honor 
flags were presented to the families of all men who had gone into service. 

On December 11, the news of the Halifax disaster having been received 
in the town, a hurried subscription netted a contribution of $275.90 which 
was more than the town's allotment. 

On July 9, 1918, at the request of many members of the Red Cross, the 
Public Safety Committee called a meeting of the members of the Red Cross 
with a view to the organization of a Chapter in Topsfield. Howard Corning, 
of the New England Division, and Mr. Carter, of the Essex County Com- 
mittee, spoke, and a Chapter was formed to cooperate with the New Eng- 
land Division. 

Early in September a meeting was held to organize the Liberty Loan 
Committee which did such efficient work for the last Liberty Loan and 
for the Victory Loan. 



THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 15 

The question of erecting a temporary service board or memorial for the 
men in active service was considered carefully, and an interesting design, 
modelled on an English market cross, was presented by Charles R. Wait. 
The design was very highly commended, but it was finally decided that it 
was inadvisable to erect such a temporary memorial at the present time. 

This report should not be closed without mention of the losses to the 
Committee itself. Two of the sixteen original members of the Public Safety 
Committee have died. 

Baxter P. Pike, a most useful and energetic member of the Committee, 
to whose encouragement and loyal help much of the success was due, died 
in December, 191 8. Mr. Pike had held almost every town office and at once 
threw his influence behind a movement to enlist the town for the cause of 
patriotism. 

George A. Gerry, also one of the energetic useful spirits of the Committee, 
died just as it was finishing its work. Interested in everything which meant 
action, he was a tower of strength in the organization of the Company and 
in the campaigns for funds. 

It would be difficult to choose from the town two men more valuable. 
The one had grown gray in the public service, the other was just in the 
midst of a career of great usefulness. 



THE LIBERTY LOANS 

FOR THE first two Liberty Loans the New England Committee did 
not realize what an important place Topsfield was, so they merged 
it with Danvers, and the Central Committee has no record of the amount 
of money subscribed by the town. Unquestionably a considerable amount 
subscribed by our citizens was not credited to the town and this same un- 
certainty extended over the Third Loan when we were better organized 
for the drive. Andrew L. Peirce kindly took charge of this drive and made 
the first real campaign in the town for the Liberty Loans. The town was 
credited with $79,300, and unquestionably much more was subscribed 
that was not credited. 

For the Fourth Liberty Loan still more elaborate preparations were 
made. The Essex County Chairman visited the town and helped in planning 
the work. This drive lasted for three weeks — from September 28 to Oct- 
ober 19, 1918. Topsfield was assigned a quota of $199,000. The following 
officers constituted the Executive Committee in charge: 

Bertram C. Gould, Chairman 
Raymond S. Roberts, Vice-Chairman 
Miss Katharine F. Wellman, Vice-Chairman 
Miss Elizabeth D. Peabody, Secretary 
William C. Long, Treasurer 

COMMITTEE ON PUBLICITY 

Charles R. Wait, Chairman 
Mrs. James Duncan Phillips 
Miss Miriam Gould 
Willard Emery 
John L. Fiske 

For the purpose of making a house-to-house canvass, the town was 
divided into eight districts, in charge of committees with the following 
captains: 

District No. I District No. 2 

Miss Helen Poor, Captain Mrs. William H. Herrick, Captain 

District No. 3 District No. 4 

Miss Annie P. Gleason, Captain Mrs. Harry W. Poor, Captain 

District No. 5 District No. 6 

Andy F. Jackman, Captain Mrs. Russell C. Smith, Captain 

District No. 7 Special District 

Thomas E. Elliot, Captain Arthur H. Wellman, Captain 

Topsfield reached its quota on October 19, the last day of the drive, and 
futher returns continued to come in during the next three weeks. Officially 



THE LIBERTY LOANS 17 

Topsfield's total, subscribed by 327 people, amounted to $246,550, but 
there were additional subscriptions of $3500 in Boston to be credited to 
Topsfield, which failed to be reported officially, so that the total amount 
subscribed was really $250,050. At least thirty per cent of our population 
participated in the loan and the per capita subscription amounted to $210. 
Substantially the same committee worked for the Victory Loan in May, 
1919. The quota charged to the town was $149,250 and this was well over- 
subscribed before the drive was finished. The total subscription was over 
$155,000, contributed by about 135 persons, making a per capita subscrip- 
tion for the town of about $140. 



=^ 



THE TOPSFIELD-BOXFORD COMPANY 

MACHINE-GUN COMPANY, FIFTEENTH REGIMENT, 
MASSACHUSETTS STATE GUARD 

IN ACCORDANCE with the action of the Public Safety Committee in 
April, 191 7, a Company of the Massachusetts State Guard was organ- 
ized with headquarters in Topsfield when the town voted the use of the 
Town Hall as an armory and drill hall. Sergeants Donaldson, Lane, and 
Hammond of the old 8th Regiment, M.V.M., volunteered their services 
to drill the recruits. Many men turned out to drill and a long list of names 
petitioned for the forming of the Company. Some seventy men signed the 
enlistment cards, were physically examined and sworn in in July as Com- 
pany H of the 15th Regiment of the M.S.G. Major-General Butler Ames 
came down to inspect the Company and described the sort of service which 
might be required of the men. The following men were elected officers: 

Edward J. Prest, Captain 

James Duncan Phillips, First Lieutenant 

Alfred K. Nason, Second Lieutenant 

From early in April drills were held every week and a school of non- 
commissioned officers required that all the officers should give up two 
evenings a week. This was cheerfully done and the men from Boxford 
showed the utmost energy in attending the drills, even coming from a long 
distance in bad weather. 

Two battalion parades were held in the autumn of 191 7 — one at Beverly 
and one at Salem — in which the Company played a creditable part. During 
the winter the Company narrowly missed being called out to guard the 
docks in Boston when the German activities in explosions were feared. A 
part of the 15th Regiment did have to do this work, but the United States 
Guards were detailed just before Company H was reached. 

In the early spring of 191 8 the Company was honored by being made 
the Machine-Gun Company of the 15th Regiment. George L. Gerry was 
chosen a Second Lieutenant and additional Sergeants were appointed. 
Four machine guns were supplied by a friend of the town. The Company 
later paid for these in part by a series of most excellent entertainments 
prepared and given by the members. These included a very dramatic 
little play, "Pa's New Housekeeper," presented by Sergeants Elliot and 
Stanwood and Corporal Gilmore, with the able assistance of some young 
ladies, and a wonderful minstrel show including everybody who could sing, 
which filled the Town Hall to its utmost capacity. These shows were re- 
peated in Boxford and proved of very considerable financial assistance. 

The Company took part in the great Liberty Loan parade in Boston, 
April 19, 1918, and was complimented on its excellent appearance. A few 
days later it also took part in the Liberty Loan parade in Salem. On 



THE TOPSFIELD-BOXFORD COMPANY 



19 



May 30 it assisted in the Memorial Day Exercises, both in Topsfield and 
in West Boxford. 

On July 14 the entire Company left for Framingham by motor. After 
a lunch en route it arrived in camp about 2.30 and at once prepared to 
erect the tents. The work in camp was hard and the discipline severe, but 
all things considered the camp was a great success. Captain Prest was 
called away on business the second day of camp and the command de- 
volved on Lieutenant Phillips, who continued the drill and brought the 
Company back to Topsfield. It was noted that on the day of departure 
the Company was the first to be inspected by the Colonel and was compli- 
mented on the condition of its quarters. 

During the autumn of 191 8 Lieutenant Gerry and Sergeant Stanwood 
did most useful service in assisting Captain Hathaway of the Ipswich 
Company at Camp Klason, during the influenza epidemic in Ip»wich. In 
December Captain Prest, to the regret of all, felt obliged to resign. 

The following former members of the Company went into the active 
service of the United States: 



Rufus S. Carter 
Amos W. A. Fuller 
Arthur H. Gilmore 
Frank E. Harrington 
George H. Nason 



William A. Perkins 
Leslie S. Ray 
Russell C. Smith 
Randolph H. Todd 
Benjamin B. Towne 



Sargent H. Wellman 



THE TOPSFIELD-BOXFORD 

MACHINE-GUN COMPANY OF THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT 
MASSACHUSETTS STATE GUARD 



Resigned Dec. i, 191 8 

1st Lieutenant, appointed Captain Dec. 

19, 1918 
zd Lieutenant, appointed 1st Lieut. 

Dec. 19, 1918 
appointed 2d Lieut. Feb. 1918. Died 

Feb. 24, 19 19 
Appoinud 2d Lieut. March, 1919 



NAME 


RANK 




Edward J. Prest 


Captain 


Topsfield 


James Duncan Phillips 


Captain 


Topsfield 


Alfred K. Nason 


1st Lieut. 


West Boxford 


George A. Gerry 


2d Lieut. 


Topsfield 


Thomas E. Elliot 


2d Lieut. 


Topsfield 


Walter L. Archer 


Private 


Boxford 


Charles F. Austin 


Mess Sergt. 


West Boxford 


Horton D. Bradstreet 


Private 


Topsfield 


Clarence D. Brown 


Private 


Boxford 


Robert J. Brown 


Private 


Boxford 


Alexander B. Carter 


Corporal 


Topsfield 


Rufus S. Carter 


Private 


Topsfield 


Thomas E. Cass 


Mechanic 


Topsfield 


Joseph Cassese 


Private 


Topsfield 


Clarence J. Castle 


Private 


Topsfield 


Manuel F. Castle 


Corporal 


Topsfield 


John G. Chandler 


Private 


West Boxford 


George E. Clarke 


Private 


Topsfield 


Thomas H. Clay 


Private 


Topsfield 


Harry L. Cole 


Sergeant 


West Boxford 


Patrick F. Collins 


Private 


Topsfield 



Discharged Oct. 31, 1917 

Discharged Oct. 3 1, 1917, /o join the 
National Army 

Discharged March 18, 1918 



Discharged Oct. 31, 1917 



20 



WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD 



NAME 


RANK 




John K. Curtis 


Cook 


Boxford 


Antonio Deluco 


Private 


Topsfield 


Edward D. Disbrow 


Private 


West Boxford 


Charles S. Duckworth 


. Private 


Topsfield 


Harold W. Foster 


Private 


West Boxford 


Amos W. A. Fuller 


Private 


Topsfield 


Ralph H. Fuller 


Private 


Topsfield 


T. Jesse Fuller 


Private 


Topsfield 


Arthur H. Gilmore 


Corporal 


Topsfield 


William J. Goodwin 


Act'g Corp. 


Topsfield 


Allen P. Gould 


Sergeant 


Topsfield 


John R. Gould 


Horse-shoer 


Topsfield 


Fred A. Greenwood 


Supply Sergt. 


Topsfield 


S. Arthur Gurley 


Private 


Boxford 


Frank E. Harrington 


Corporal 


Topsfield 


Edward J. Hopping 


Private 


West Boxford 


Clinton J. Ingraham 


Private 


Topsfield 


H. Gilbert Jordan 


Private 


Topsfield 


William Keith 


Private 


Topsfield 


DanaF. Killam^ 


Bugler 


Boxford 


William LaBonte 


Private 


Topsfield 


John K. Lewis 


Private 


Boxford 


Lewis R. Little 


Private 


Topsfield 


Norman E. Little 


Bugler 


Topsfield 


Aubrey Lyon 


Private 


West Boxford 


Avard P. Lyon 


Private 


West Boxford 


Harry F. Moore 


Private 


Boxford 


C. Wallace Morissey 


Bugler 


Topsfield 


J. Fred Morissy 


Corporal 


Topsfield 


Ernest W. Mortimer 


Private 


Boxford 


George H. Nason 


Private 


West Boxford 


Fred Paglia 


Private 


Topsfield 


George B. Parkhurst 


Corporal 


Boxford 


Horace F. Patton 


Private 


Topsfield 


Simeon S. Pearl 


Corporal 


West Boxford 


Thomas W. Peirce 


1st Sergt. 


Topsfield 


Henry C. Perkins 


Private 


Topsfield 


William A. Perkins 


Private 


Topsfield 


Frederick E. Pingree 


Private 


Topsfield 


Benjamin P. Poor 


Private 


Boxford 


Leslie S. Ray 


Corporal 


Topsfield 


Charles H. Reid 


Private 


Topsfield 


Roland M. Roberts 


Private 


Topsfield 


Eugene F. Russell 


Private 


Boxford 


Harold H. Russell 


Private 


Boxford 


Karl G. Smerage 


Private 


Topsfield 


Russell C. Smith 


Sergeant 


Topsfield 


George A. Stanwood 


Sergeant 


Topsfield 


George R. Sweeney, Jr 


. Private 


Topsfield 


Charles W. Taintor 


Stable Sergt. 


Topsfield 


Thomas H. Tansey 


Private 


Boxford 


Frank Titus, Jr. 


Cook 


Boxford 


Henry N. Titus 


Private 


Topsfield 


Randolph H. Todd 


Private 


Topsfield 


Benjamin B. Towne 


Supply Sergt. 


Topsfield 



Discharged March l8, 1918 

Discharged April 12, 19 18 

Discharged April 12, 1918. Joined the 

National Army 
Discharged April 12, 19 18 

Discharged July 12, 191 8, to join 
Y.M.C.A. in France 



Discharged June 28, 19 18, to join 
Naval Aviation Corps 



Discharged June 13, 191 8 



Discharged Oct. 31, 191 7 
Discharged Oct. 31, 1917, to join the 

National Army 
Discharged March 18, 19 18 

Discharged April 30, 1918 



Transferred May 21, 191 8, to Co. B, 

iSth Regt. 
Discharged Oct. 31, 1917, to join the 

National Army 
Discharged March 18, 1918 

Discharged Oct. 31, 1917, to the Avia- 
tion School 
Discharged July 20, 1918 



Discharged March 18, 1918 

Discharged Oct. 31, 1917, to join the 
Merchant Marine 



Discharged Oct. 31, 1917 
Discharged Oct. 31, 1917 

Discharged Nov. 15, 1918, to join the 

Naval Reserve 
Discharged Nov. 15, 1918, to join the 

National Army 



THE TOPSFIELD-BOXFORD COMPANY 



21 



NAME RANK 

Herbert A. Towne Private Topsfield 

Charles D. Tutty Sergeant Boxford 

George E. Watson Private Boxford 

Charles A. Welch Private Topsfield 

Sargent H. Wellman Private Topsfield 



John G. Whittier Private Boxford 

J. William Wildes Private Topsfield 

Harry J. Wilson Private Topsfield 



Transferred March 25, 1918, to Co. 
E, 15th Regt. M.S.G. 



Discharged Dec. 15, 1917, to go to 
Plattsburg Training Camp. Com- 
missioned 1st Lieut. 



Five (5) officers commissioned. 

Eighty (80) men enlisted since organization. 

Eleven (11) men discharged to join the National Service. 

Two (2) men transferred to other State Guard Regiments. 

Fourteen (14) men honorably discharged. 



Since organization the Company has raised a very considerable 
amount of money: 



COMPANY FUND 



Raised in 1917 
Raised in 1918 

Spent for Company purposes 
On hand Jan. i, 1918 



Original guaranty, less returns 
Subscriptions for guns 
Proceeds of entertainments 
Subscriptions for carts and express 



Guns 
Carts, etc. 
Expressage, etc. 

Balance on hand 



$124.15 






346.19 


^470.34 

271.51 

$198.83 




FUND 


$1800 

540 

437-71 
310.00 

$2600 
360 
23 -93 


$3087.71 

2983.93 
$103.78 



TOPSFIELD CANNING CLUB 

THROUGH the efforts of the Public Safety Committee in May, 191 7, 
a committee to organize a Community Canning Centre was ap- 
pointed consisting of Mrs. James Duncan Phillips, Chairman; Mrs. John 
S. Lawrence, Secretary; Mrs. Thomas W. Peirce, Treasurer; Mrs. Frederic 
Ayer, Jr., Mrs. Wilfred Hay, and Mrs. Frank Smith. Mr. Lawrence gen- 
erously lent his bungalow for the work and Mrs. F. Percy Smerage, of 
Topsfield, was engaged as regular supervisor, having two paid helpers. 

The Club opened in June with a tea and business meeting at Mrs. 
Lawrence's, at which operating plans were discussed and approved. By 
the rules, a member could, upon payment of fifty cents fee. 

First — Order and buy from the Club any finished product at four per 
cent discount from the regular retail price. 

Second — Send her vegetables, with or without jars, to the Club to be 
put up at actual cost of labor, plus twenty per cent for overhead. 

Third — She could do her own work at the Club and profit by Mrs. 
Smerage's advice, at a charge of two cents per jar, for the use of the con- 
tainer. Members were entitled to buy jars and rubbers for their canning 
from the Club, and if they desired, could pay for such supplies by their 
finished product, provided it was put up under Club supervision. 

The Club was open for four days a week from June 20 until October 20. 
Of its 106 members, two or three volunteers helped the regular workers 
each day and it is realized that without the assistance of these volunteers 
such splendid results could not have been obtained. Once a month a dem- 
onstration was held, always largely attended and most successful. In addition 
to local and cooperative work, a great number of outside orders were 
filled. From all the customers only one complaint was received. 

The total output during the summer amounted approximately to 3CXX) 
jars of fruits and vegetables, 1800 glasses of jelly, and 500 pounds of jam. 
The record output for one day, six people working, was 184 jars and 45 
pounds of jam (8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.). 

Fifteen members came to the Club to do their own canning under super- 
vision, only two leaving payment in finished products. Fourteen members 
sent produce from their gardens to be canned and 42 members bought jars 
and rubbers. 

The Treasurer's report at the end of the season showed a surplus of 
$584.30, after having paid the loan advanced through the Public Safety 
Committee, as well as all debts incurred. 

During the winter 1917-18 the activities of the Club were confined more 
to home economics. Monthly meetings were held, the Grange very kindly 
furnishing room and fuel. After a basket lunch, lectures on dietetics or 
home economics were given, and at all of these meetings food problems 
were freely discussed, receipts and experiences exchanged, and papers read 
upon the topics in question. Such subjects as wheat and fat substitutes, 



TOPSFIELD CANNING CLUB 23 

demonstrations on drying, canning, and jelly-making, were given, and at 
the end of the summer an exhibition of canned products was held, at which 
prizes were awarded for the best display of canned goods and jellies. 

In June, 191 8, a Junior membership was added and Mrs. Smerage con- 
ducted classes during the summer for the fifteen Junior members, instruct- 
ing them in canning fruits and vegetables. 

At the November meeting the Juniors exhibited with the Seniors and 
were also awarded prizes by the Club. At the same time their exhibits 
were judged for the County and State prizes. 

During the summer a Book Club was organized under Miss Annie P. 
Gleason as Chairman of the Committee. The town was divided into dis- 
tricts and books on food problems and home economics were distributed 
for circulation among the members. 

In October "Soldiers' Week" was observed. Almost every member of 
the Club assisted in making jam, marmalade, and fruit butters for the 
Base Hospital at Camp Devens. One hundred and twenty-three gallons of 
jam were produced and taken to Ayer by motor, where it was most grate- 
fully received and heartily appreciated by those in charge of the Hospital. 
Thus the Canning Club, through its various branches, justified its ex- 
istence. The economic value of canning and its possibilities were demon- 
strated and advertised. Encouragement and help were given to those who 
had not canned before, and the veterans were spurred on to greater effort. 
And so, in its own way, it helped to win the War. 

The following officers were elected at the annual meeting in June, 191 8, 
for the ensuing year: 

Mrs. J. D. Phillips, President 

Mrs. John S. Lawrence, Vice-President 

Mrs. Charles W.Taintor, Vice-President 

Mrs. Charles Grinnell, Committee 

Mrs. Frederick Ayer, Jr. 

Mrs. W. Chester Long 

Mrs. Harris E. Perkins 



TOPSFIELD BRANCH OF THE AMERICAN FUND 
FOR FRENCH WOUNDED 

THE Topsfield Branch of the American Fund for French Wounded was 
organized in the fall of 191 5, and was supported by subscription and 
kept its workroom open all winter with an attendance of about twenty 
regular workers. In summer, the attendance was larger. It shipped surgical 
dressings, knitted articles and garments to the Boston Headquarters and 
also sent comfort bags at Christmas time. 

In April, 1917, when the Special Aid Branch was organized, the two 
branches were carried on in harmony, using the same workroom. In October, 
1917, it was voted to merge the French Wounded Branch with that of the 
Special Aid, turning over to one Treasurer the united funds, and continuing 
to ship to the French Wounded Branch as the Executive Committee of the 
Special Aid decided. 

The total output of the workroom for A.F.F.W. from start to November 
I, 1917, when it merged with the Special Aid, was: 

11,427 packages surgical dressings 
1183 hospital supplies, including draw pads, binders, wash cloths, towels, mos- 
quito nets, stork sheeting, blankets, and old linen 
1349 pillows 

337 hospital garments (shirts, vests, and pajamas) 
850 knitted articles 
160 Christmas bags 

15,306 total articles 



TOPSFIELD BRANCH OF THE SPECIAL AID SOCIETY 
FOR AMERICAN PREPAREDNESS 

THE Topsfield Branch of the Special Aid Society for American Pre- 
paredness was organized March 28, 1917, at a public meeting held in 
the Grange Hall. In April there were 92 members and in December, after a 
house-to-house canvass made by the Membership Committee under Mrs. 
Richard Wheatland as Chairman, the membership was increased to 117. 

The Society, from its organization, collected $3706 and had the support 
and cooperation of the Ladies' Organizations of Topsfield. In order to give 
the women more time for Relief Work, these organizations gave up their 
meetings and also helped financially. Meetings were held three times a 
week with an average attendance of twenty-five. 

In October, 191 7, in order to coordinate the work in Topsfield and make 
it more effective, the Topsfield Branch of the American Fund for French 
Wounded became a sub-committee of the S.A.S.A.P. and merged its funds. 

From April, 191 7, to November, 191 7, the Special Aid worked for the 
Surgical Dressings Committee and the Navy League, and answered vari- 
ous special calls. Six Regimental Ambulance boxes were filled for the loist 
Field Artillery, 26th Division, and delivered through Major Jenkins for 
overseas service. About 150 Christmas bags were sent to France to special 
people — Miss Davison, Miss Lake, and Miss Jordan. 

Miss Helen Jordan went over in November, 1916, with the Harvard Unit, 
Field Hospital 22, under Dr. Cabot, and Miss Alice Lake went in May, 191 7, 
with the Harvard Unit under the Red Cross, Base Hospital 5, Dr. Cushing. 
Through these two patriotic Topsfield women, the Society kept in close 
touch with the hospital work abroad and all articles sent to them were 
duly received. 

The total output of the workroom after merging with the A.F.F.W., 
November i, 1917, to January i, 1919, was as follows: 

4027 packages surgical dressings 
545 hospital supplies, including draw pads, binders, wash cloths, bandages, old 
linen, bed linen and towels, blankets, property bags and comfort kits 
30 dozen handkerchiefs 
274 pillows 

6 afghans and 7 quilts 
707 garments 
750 gun wipes 
350 trench candles 
240 Christmas bags 
1843 knitted articles 

8772 total articles 

These articles were shipped to the A.F.F.W., the Italian Relief, Com- 
mittee for Devastated France, Red Cross, Surgical Dressings Committee, 



26 WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD 

Special Aid, and Navy League. Special shipments of bags to Miss Jordan, 
Miss Lake, Miss Davison, and Dr. Lines also were made. 

During the influenza epidemic, the workroom sent a great many neces- 
sary hospital garments to Camp Mason, the Ipswich Emergency Hospital, 
on a hurry call and supplied sweaters for the nurses. 

Present Officers 

Miss Katharine F. Wellman, Chairman 

Mrs. William H. Herrick, Vice-Chairman 

Miss Elizabeth Peabody, Secretary 

Mrs. T. L. Jenkins, Treasurer 

Mrs. Thomas W. Peirce, Chairman Surgical Dressings Committee 

Miss Florence Janes, Chairman Sezuing Committee 

Mrs. J. D. Phillips, Chairman Wool Committee 

Mrs. Harry W. Poor, Junior Work 



THE RED CROSS BRANCH 

THE Red Cross activities in Topsfield started with a membership 
drive December, 1917, of which Manuel F. Castle was Chairman, which 
enrolled 297 members, an excellent showing. 

The second Red Cross War Fund Drive took place during the month of 
May, 191 8, under the leadership of Mrs. William B. Poor, and a total 
of $3830 was contributed by the people of Topsfield as the result of a 
vigorous effort. A parade and a public meeting addressed by Hon. Alden 
P. White, of Salem, were held to arouse interest. 

In July, 191 8, a Topsfield Branch of the Essex County Chapter was 
organized at a public meeting called by the Public Safety Committee at 
which the following officers were elected : 

Thomas W. Peirce, Chairman 

Mrs. William H. Herrick and Mrs. Thomas L. Jenkins, Vice-Chairmen 

Bertram C. Gould, Secretary-Treasurer 

Benjamin B. Towne, Chairman Home Service 

Manuel F. Castle, Chairman Membership 

Miss Katharine F. Wellman, Head of Workroom 

Mrs. James Duncan Phillips, Head of Knitting 

Mrs. Thomas W. Peirce, Head of Surgical Dressings 

Mrs. Harry W. Poor, Chairman Junior Work 

The workroom was run in harmony with that of the Special Aid, the 
department heads being the same in both organizations. The quotas re- 
ceived from Chapter Headquarters were promptly finished and shipped. 
To December 31, 1918, 244 garments and knitted articles were produced. 

During the influenza epidemic, help was given to Camp Mason, the 
Ipswich Emergency Hospital, and, in response to instructions from Chapter 
Headquarters, a canvass of nurses was taken. 

The Christmas Roll-Call Drive of the Red Cross was in charge of Mr. 
Castle, assisted by the organization of Team Captains who had worked for 
the Liberty Loan Committee. There were enrolled 432 annual members, 
8 magazine members, 2 contributing members, and 4 life members, and the 
total sum of $658 was contributed. 



Y.M.C.A. AND UNITED WAR WORK CAMPAIGN 

IN NOVEMBER, 1917, a successful campaign in behalf of the Y.M.C.A. 
was conducted under the charge of Raymond S. Roberts. The total 
amount collected was $2750. 

The United War Work Campaign lasted from November 1 1 to November 
18, 1 91 8, inclusive, and Topsfield's assigned quota was $5000. The follow- 
ing committee was in charge : 

Bertram C. Gould, Chairman 

Raymond S. Roberts, Vice-Chairman and Secretary 

John L. Fiske, Treasurer 

Committee on Publicity 

Charles R. Wait, Chairman 
Albert S. Lane 
Elbridge H. Gilford 
Thomas E. Elliot 

The total amount of the subscriptions was $5564, participated in by 420 
people, the quota being exceeded by $564. 



TOPSFIELD 
ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 

IN THE spring of 1917 Topsfield contained about iioo persons all told. 
Of these 276 were registered male voters and 300 paid a poll-tax; 286 
persons were assessed on property taxes and the total valuation of all 
property within the limits of the town was $2,088,172. The town contains 
about 7500 acres of land and there are about 300 dwelling-houses. 

STATISTICS OF THE WAR 

MEN 

Men sent into the Service 59 

Nurses — served abroad 2 

Men enrolled in the Massachusetts State Guard 55 

MONEY 

First Liberty Loan No record 

Second Liberty Loan No record 

Third Liberty Loan $ 79,300.00 

Fourth Liberty Loan 250,050 . 00 

Victory Loan 155,000.00 

Machine-Gun Company 3>557-05 

Red Cross drive and membership 5,232.00 

Y.M.C.A. Drive 2,750.00 

United War Work Campaign 5,564.00 

Halifax Relief 275.90 

Canning Club, paid all expenses and earned 584-30 

The American Fund for French Wounded (?) 

Special Aid Society for American Preparedness 3,706.00 

$506,019.25 



MATERIALS 

Special Aid Society (partial report only from November, 

1917) 
American Fund for French Wounded 
Red Cross Branch 
Canning Club (summer of 1917) 



(October, 191 8) 



8772 articles 
15,306 articles 
244 garments 
3000 jars of fruits and vegetables 
1000 glasses of jelly 
500 pounds of jam 
123 gallons of jam sent to 
Camp Devens 



:m 



i«ft^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



020 934 401 4 9 



